Supreme commander calls on two sides to talk

national January 18, 2014 00:00

By The Nation

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The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces appealed to both sides of the political conflict Saturday to come together and seek a solution for the country, although he admitted there was difficulty finding a neutral mediator acceptable to each group.

General Thanasak Patimaprakorn said both sides in the political feud should seek a win-win solution. He said the situation was serious and Thailand was like a patient suffering from cancer that needs immediate attention.

“Both the government and the protesters may lose but the nation will gain. If they don’t talk, we won’t see the way,” he said.

The Supreme Commander urged both sides to sacrifice for the sake of the country but acknowledged that there was no mediator to facilitate a dialogue at the moment. He suggested that any domestic group ready to play the role should volunteer.

He said Thailand should not allow foreign states to meddle in the crisis, naming the United States in particular.